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Foxen Vineyards Summary

7200 Foxen Canyon Road
Santa Maria ,CA 93454
United States
(805) 937-4251
foxenvineyard.com

Foxen Vineyards Description

Located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, Foxen Vineyards has become a premier destination for wine enthusiasts seeking quality wines and a memorable tasting experience. Established in 1985 by Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, Foxen Vineyards is known for producing handcrafted, small-lot wines that showcase the unique character of the region.

Nestled in the hills of the Santa Maria Valley, Foxen Vineyards is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques. With a focus on Burgundian and Rhône varietals, the winery's portfolio includes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and a variety of wine blends. Each bottle reflects the dedication and passion of the winemakers, resulting in wines that truly express the terroir of the area.

Visiting Foxen Vineyards is like stepping into a rustic, yet elegant world. The winery boasts two distinct and charming tasting rooms: The "historic" shack, also known as the Foxen 7200, which was originally a blacksmith shop dating back to the 1860s, and the newer "modern" tasting room, Foxen 7600, which offers picturesque views of the surrounding vineyards. Guests can lounge on the outdoor patio, enjoying their wine while soaking in the beauty of the Santa Ynez Valley.

Foxen Vineyards goes beyond the standard wine tasting experience, offering visitors a chance to explore the vineyards and winemaking facilities through tours and interactive experiences. Guests can learn about the winemaking process firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the vineyard's commitment to sustainable practices. With knowledgeable and friendly staff, a visit to Foxen Vineyards promises to be both educational and enjoyable.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a novice, Foxen Vineyards offers an unforgettable experience. From the stunning setting to the exceptional wines, it is no surprise that Foxen Vineyards has earned its reputation as a must-visit winery in California's wine country.

What Makes Foxen Vineyards Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Foxen Vineyards stands apart from other wineries in the region due to its rich history, commitment to quality, unique winemaking approach, and stunning vineyard landscapes.

First and foremost, the winery boasts an intriguing and enduring history that adds to its allure. Established in 1985 by Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, Foxen Vineyards has been crafting exceptional wines for over three decades. The founders' passion and expertise are reflected in every bottle, with their collective experience spanning more than 70 years.

What sets Foxen Vineyards apart is its unwavering commitment to quality. The winery focuses on producing small-lot, handcrafted wines that exemplify the best of Santa Barbara County's diverse terroir. From crisp Chardonnays to elegant Pinot Noirs and full-bodied Syrahs, their portfolio showcases the region's varietal diversity with impeccable attention to detail.

One factor that distinguishes Foxen Vineyards from its competitors is its unique winemaking approach. The winery operates on a non-interventionist philosophy, allowing the wines to naturally express the vineyard's distinct characteristics. By practicing minimal manipulation during the winemaking process, Foxen Vineyards ensures that the true essence of the grape varieties and vineyard sites shine through in every sip.

The winery also boasts some of the most picturesque vineyard landscapes in the region. Foxen Canyon Road, where the winery is located, is renowned for its breathtaking views of rolling hillsides adorned with lush vineyards. Visitors to the winery can revel in the beauty of the surrounding Santa Ynez Valley while enjoying their wine tasting experience, creating a memorable and immersive visit.

Moreover, Foxen Vineyards is dedicated to sustainability. The winery takes pride in practicing environmentally friendly viticulture and winemaking techniques. From employing cover crops and natural pest control to conserving water resources, Foxen Vineyards strives to minimize its ecological footprint and preserve the land for future generations.

Lastly, the warm and inviting hospitality offered by Foxen Vineyards' staff is a testimony to their commitment to creating a memorable experience for visitors. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or a novice, the knowledgeable staff is passionate about sharing their love for wine and providing a personalized tasting journey, ensuring that each guest feels welcome and well-cared for.

In summary, Foxen Vineyards stands out among other wineries in the region due to its rich history, commitment to quality, unique winemaking approach, stunning vineyard landscapes, sustainability efforts, and exceptional hospitality. These elements come together to create a truly remarkable and unforgettable wine-tasting experience in the heart of California wine country.

What Some Possible Concerns About Foxen Vineyards ?

While Foxen Vineyards is generally highly regarded by wine enthusiasts, there are a few aspects that some people may not have liked about the winery. These include:

1. Limited wine selection: Some visitors have mentioned that the winery offers a relatively small variety of wines compared to other vineyards in the region. This can be a drawback for those seeking a diverse tasting experience.

2. Crowded tasting room: During peak hours or weekends, the tasting room at Foxen Vineyards can get quite crowded, which may result in longer wait times and less personalized attention from the staff. This can detract from the overall experience for some visitors.

3. Lack of scenic views: Unlike some other wineries in California, Foxen Vineyards may not offer the breathtaking panoramic views of rolling vineyards or picturesque landscapes that some visitors expect. Although they have a charming rustic setting, the lack of expansive scenic views may be disappointing for some.

4. Inconsistent service: While most reviews praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff, a few visitors have reported experiencing inconsistent service at Foxen Vineyards. This could include staff members being less attentive or not providing detailed information about the wines being tasted.

5. Limited food options: While many wineries offer food pairings or have on-site restaurants that complement the wine tasting experience, Foxen Vineyards does not have a full menu or extensive food options. This may be a drawback for those looking for a more comprehensive culinary experience.

It's important to note that these criticisms are based on a fraction of visitor experiences, and overall, Foxen Vineyards remains a beloved winery known for its exceptional wines and charming atmosphere.

Foxen Vineyards History

Foxen Vineyards is a renowned winery located in the picturesque Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County, California. Established in 1985 by two childhood friends, Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, Foxen Vineyards has carved a niche for itself in the world of California wines with its exceptional quality and commitment to traditional winemaking techniques.

The story of Foxen Vineyards begins with the shared passion of Bill and Dick for wine and the dream of crafting wines that could rival the world's best. Both not only had a deep appreciation for the wines of Burgundy and the Rhône Valley but also had a strong desire to create wines that reflected the unique terroir of California's Central Coast.

Bill and Dick's journey in the winemaking industry took them to the renowned wine regions of France, where they gained invaluable experience and knowledge. Inspired by the old-world winemaking techniques they encountered, they returned to California with a vision to create wines of elegance, balance, and finesse.

In the early days, Foxen Vineyards operated out of a small winery in Los Olivos, focusing on producing small quantities of handcrafted, vineyard-driven wines. The winery soon gained recognition for its exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Rhône-style varietals. The commitment to showcasing the distinct characteristics of each vineyard site and utilizing minimal intervention in winemaking became the hallmark of Foxen's philosophy.

Over the years, Foxen Vineyards chose to focus on the Santa Maria Valley, recognizing its unique climate and diverse soils as ideal for cultivating grapes. The winery's vineyards are situated in cool-climate pockets within the valley, offering ideal conditions for producing vibrant, aromatic, and beautifully balanced wines.

One of the crucial factors that set Foxen Vineyards apart is its dedication to sustainable farming practices. The winery employs organic and biodynamic farming methods to ensure the health and vitality of the vines and the surrounding environment. This commitment to sustainability extends not only to the vineyards but also to the winery facilities, as Foxen has invested in energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly practices to minimize its environmental impact.

As Foxen Vineyards gained popularity and critical acclaim, it expanded its production and soon moved to a larger winemaking facility, the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in Santa Maria. This move allowed for greater production capabilities while preserving the hands-on, artisanal approach that has defined the winery since its inception.

Foxen also made a name for itself through its distinct wine portfolio and vineyard designates. Their highly sought-after releases include the elegant "Block 43" Chardonnay, the velvety "Sea Smoke Vineyard" Pinot Noir, and the vibrant "Volpino" Syrah. Each wine exhibits a sense of place, reflecting the specific vineyard site and the meticulous work of the winemaking team.

In addition to its exceptional wines, Foxen Vineyards has also become a destination for wine lovers and tourists alike. The winery boasts two tasting rooms – the historic "The Shack" and the more modern "The Foxen Canyon Road Tasting Room" – both offering visitors the opportunity to experience the winery's warm hospitality and learn about its winemaking practices.

Today, Foxen Vineyards continues to be a beacon of excellence in California's wine industry. Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, along with their dedicated team, continue to craft wines that embody their original vision of producing world-class, terroir-driven wines while fostering a deep respect for the land and its resources.

With each vintage, Foxen Vineyards exemplifies the harmonious marriage of tradition and innovation, making it a cherished and respected winery in the scenic Santa Maria Valley and beyond.